Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Climb the Legendary Mountains of the Moon

As a seasoned tour consultant with Kwezi Adventures, I often tell our most adventurous clients: “If you're looking for one of Africa's most dramatic trekking experiences, head to the Rwenzoris.” Also known as the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori range is Africa’s tallest mountain range, located on the western border of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With glacier-capped peaks, moss-draped forests, giant lobelias, and pristine alpine lakes, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dream for serious hikers, mountaineers, and nature lovers alike.

⛰ Trekking to Margherita Peak – Africa’s 3rd Highest Summit

The crown jewel of Rwenzori trekking is Margherita Peak, which stands at 5,109 meters (16,762 feet) on Mount Stanley making it the third-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

Trekking to the summit is physically demanding, involving multi-day hiking, high altitudes, and in some cases technical climbing with ropes and crampons. But the reward is unmatched: breathtaking glaciers, sweeping alpine views, and the pride of summiting one of Africa’s highest points.

At Kwezi Adventures, we offer fully guided trekking expeditions ranging from:

  • 7-10 days – Full summit expeditions to Margherita Peak via the Central Circuit Trail

  • 3-5 days – Shorter hikes to the alpine zones (up to Lake Kitandara or Weismann’s Peak)

  • Day hikes – For visitors wanting a taste of the mountains without overnight camping

🌿 Unique Ecosystems – Rainforests to Glaciers

One of the most spectacular features of Rwenzori trekking is the dramatic vegetation zones that change with altitude. Your hike takes you through:

  1. Tropical Montane Forests – Home to blue monkeys, forest elephants, and colorful birds

  2. Bamboo Zone – Cool and misty, a favorite for colobus monkeys

  3. Heather Zone – With giant lobelias and tree heathers shrouded in lichen

  4. Alpine Zone – Rocky ridges, glacial lakes, and rare alpine plants

  5. Glaciers and Snowfields – At the highest elevations on Mount Stanley and Baker

This incredible variation makes the Rwenzoris one of the most biodiverse mountain ecosystems in Africa.

🐦 Wildlife & Birding

Though wildlife is harder to spot due to the dense forest, the Rwenzori Mountains are home to:

  • Rwenzori duiker (a unique antelope species)

  • L’hoest’s monkeys and black-and-white colobus

  • Over 217 bird species, including Rwenzori Turaco, dusky crimsonwing, and sunbirds

Birders can enjoy guided birding walks at the park entrance zones and forest trails.

🛖 Cultural Encounters – Meet the Bakonzo People

The Bakonzo community, indigenous to the Rwenzori foothills, have deep spiritual ties to the mountains. Their traditions, farming lifestyles, and hospitality are woven into the Rwenzori experience.

Our Kwezi Adventures cultural add-ons include:

  • Village visits and storytelling around mountain spirits

  • Traditional food tastings and dance performances

  • Guided community hikes and coffee experiences

These excursions are ethically designed and community-led, ensuring your visit supports local livelihoods.

🏕 Trekking Logistics – What to Expect

Our Kwezi Rwenzori packages include:

  • Professional mountain guides and porters

  • All trekking permits and park fees

  • Camping gear and hot meals

  • Crampons and ropes for summit attempts

  • Pre-hike preparation tips and acclimatization plans

Our expeditions are led by licensed guides from Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) and include support staff to carry gear and set up mountain camps.

🏨 Where to Stay

Before and after your trek, Kwezi Adventures arranges accommodations in and around Kasese and Nyakalengija:

  • Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge – charming and rustic comfort near the park gate

  • Midrange: Sandton Hotel Kasese or Rwenzori Trekkers Hostel

  • Budget: UWA Bandas or RMS Campsites

🛣 How to Get to Rwenzori Mountains National Park

  • By Road: ~6-7 hours from Kampala via Fort Portal or Mbarara

  • By Air: Domestic flights to Kasese Airstrip (we handle all transfers)

  • Close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, ideal for combo safaris

📅 Best Time to Hike the Rwenzoris

Trekking is best during the drier months:

  • June to August

  • December to February

The wet seasons (March–May and Sept–Nov) make trails muddy and summits harder to reach, but the scenery becomes even more lush and dramatic.

✅ Book Your Rwenzori Trekking Safari Today

Ready to challenge yourself on Africa’s most mystical mountain range? Let Kwezi Adventures guide your Rwenzori Mountains National Park trekking safari.